“John and Mara celebrated their wedding day surrounded by friends and family at their private home in Red Bank NJ. Being from the Jersey Shore and celebrating most of their relationship on the beach, it was important for them to start their new lift together near the ocean. Their day included gorgeous bright, colorful florals which paired perfectly with their private beach ceremony with just their family. After their ceremony, John and Mara took advantage of the beautiful summer day with a stroll along the bay side at Sandy Hook Beach. Back at their home, friends and family were gathering together in anticipation of their arrival. A friend of the couples created table and bar signs that decorated the tented reception and brought a personal touch to their wedding day. The brides Aunt made the couples wedding cake and the mason jar cookie favors for all the guests to enjoy. John and Mara truly had a magical wedding day!” –Mallory Weiss Planning

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

Mara: Other than the ceremony! Getting ready with the girls and seeing how my Dad decorated our house and put together an awesome brunch for myself and my bridesmaids.

John: Just having the reception at our house was amazing. Seeing our backyard transformed into this mini city was incredible. It was beyond what we thought it could turn into.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

The vases for our flowers came from both our mothers and grandmother, from events I’ve organized {proms, showers, classroom activities} but most of them came from flowers John had sent me over the years so it added a personal touch to our flowers. We made the center pieces ourselves with flowers provided by our amazing florist! Our table signs were DIY’d by a friend and our favors {cookies} were made by my aunt. Our cake was made by my other aunt who worked closely with our florist for cake decorations. My Mom made the welcome sign on our driveway and our gifts for the wedding party were homemade as well. The groomsmen were given coolers with stickers with their faces on them and I made the bridesmaids {with help from my dad!} a beer caddy and a wine tote. We also provided heel protectors for the ladies if they walked on the lawn and lastly, I did my own nails!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Coming from a “non-bride” bride, it’s going to be stressful no matter what so try to breathe and find little moments of serenity. Focus on the things that are really important to you {specific photographer, time of year, florist, etc.} for me, it was my friend Jeff as the photographer and June from one of my favorite movies. We also wanted to have our ceremony at Sandy Hook-where we had our first date. Make it as personal as possible and it’ll be that more special. It’s your day to celebrate the two of you so don’t lose sight of that! -Mara, the Bride

Event Credits

Photography: Jeff Frandsen Weddings // Wedding Planning: Mallory Weiss Planning // Tent Rental: Prestige Party Rental // Rentals: Paul David Partywares // Florist: Cassandra Shah Flowers and Events // Music: Hi NRG Sound Productions // Hair: Sweet Hair Peace // Make-up: Perfect Bridals by Christina